Mode of Control

Mode of Control (MOC) refers to the type of traffic signal operation at signalized intersections. Toronto determines the MOC for existing signals based on current off-peak pedestrian and vehicle volumes. Toronto determines the MOC for planned signals based on projected off-peak pedestrian and vehicle volumes. The City uses the following modes of control: fully-actuated (FA), fixed-time (FT), semi-actuated (SA), semi-actuated pedestrian (SAP), semi-actuated vehicle (SAV), and pedestrian-actuated (PA). View the Map and List showing the mode of control for all signals in Toronto.

FT is a signal operation in which the vehicle signal indication changes automatically from the main street to the side street, and back, even if there are no vehicles on the side street and/or no pedestrians wishing to cross the main street. There is no vehicle detection on the through phase(s), and except at Accessible Pedestrian Signal locations, there are no pedestrian pushbuttons.

SA is a signal operation in which signals will not change to the side street unless a vehicle or pedestrian has been detected. Side street signal display and vehicle green time varies depending on whether a pedestrian call has been received or not. Pushbutton activation is required for the “walk” display. Demand on a vehicle presence detector actuates the vehicle green display; the “don’t walk” display will continue to be displayed for pedestrians. Vehicles receive a minimum green time. If there is continued vehicle presence on the detector, the side street green time can be extended to a predetermined maximum value. Demand on a pedestrian pushbutton actuates both the vehicle green display and the “walk” display for the pedestrian minimum green time, followed by a “flashing don’t walk” display for pedestrians, while the vehicle green continues to be displayed.

SAP is a signal operation in which signals will not change to the side street unless a vehicle or pedestrian has been detected, and in which the side street will serve the pedestrian “walk” phase regardless of whether or not a pedestrian call has been received. Pushbutton activation is not required for the “walk” display if a vehicle is present. Demand on either a vehicle presence loop detector or a pedestrian pushbutton will actuate both the vehicle green and pedestrian “walk” display. Vehicles and pedestrians receive the same amount of time regardless of the actuation source. There are no vehicle extensions.

SAV is a signal operation in which there is no pedestrian crossing across the main street and there are no pushbuttons. Continued vehicle demand on a vehicle presence loop detector extends the vehicle green display up to a predetermined maximum value.

PA is a signal operation where the mid-block pedestrian crossing is actuated by a pedestrian pushing a button. It provides pedestrians with a protected crossing opportunity by requiring motorists to stop at the signal.

FA is a signal operation with stop-bar presence (intrusive or non-intrusive) detectors and push-buttons on all approaches; vehicles and pedestrians can receive different times; vehicle extensions; pushbutton activation required for “Walk” display; signal can rest on any phase by time-of-day.